🏹 November 17th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to Today's Edition of The Chief Brief: Seminole Sports Spectacular!

In this edition, we bring you the latest and greatest from FSU's dynamic sports teams. Here's a quick glimpse of what's inside:

• 🏊 FSU Swimming & Diving at Georgia Fall Invite: Catch up with the Seminoles' splash at the invite, showcasing top performances and promising starts.

• 🏆 FSU Women's Soccer in NCAA Tournament: The undefeated women's soccer team faces Texas A&M, continuing their quest for NCAA glory.

• 🏀 Women's Basketball Rivalry: FSU vs. Gators: The 12th-ranked FSU women's basketball team is set for a riveting clash against the Florida Gators.

• 🏀 Baba Miller Leads FSU Basketball Revival: Follow the inspiring journey of Baba Miller, aiming to uplift FSU basketball in his sophomore season.

• 🏟️ Doak Campbell Stadium's Major Makeover: Discover the exciting renovations planned for the iconic stadium, enhancing the Seminole fan experience.

• 🏈 FSU vs. Miami: A Tale of Two Programs: Compare the vibrant spirit of FSU's fans with Miami's struggles in rallying their base.

• 🏈 FSU Football's Resilience under Norvell: Delve into the FSU football team's transformation and resilience under Coach Mike Norvell's guidance.

Stay tuned as we dive into these stories, highlighting the strength, spirit, and success of the FSU Seminoles!

FSU Swimming & Diving Makes Waves at Georgia Fall Invite

🏊 Seminoles Shine in Competitive Waters

The Florida State swimming and diving teams kicked off their campaign at the Georgia Fall Invite with a splash, showcasing their talent and determination. The men's team, now ranked No. 17, and the women's team, receiving votes, both had impressive performances.

🔥 Men's Team Highlights:

• Relay Success: The 200 free relay team of Varjasi, Bork, Herbet, and Keblys started strong, finishing fourth with a near miss for the NCAA automatic qualifying time.

• Yordan Yanchev's Near Record: Yanchev was a standout in the 500 free, almost breaking his school record and surpassing the 2023 NCAA invited time.

• Max Wilson's Career Best: Wilson shined in the 200 IM, marking his career-best and earning a spot among the school's all-time top performances.

🌟 Women's Team Standouts:

• Maddy Huggins' Personal Best: Huggins excelled in the 200 IM, achieving a personal best and ranking sixth in FSU history.

• Relay Team's Strong Performance: The 200 free relay team, featuring Halden, Evans, Dicks, and Muzito, placed sixth, with Muzito leading in the 50 free consolation.

• 400 Medley Relay Near Record: The team nearly hit the FSU record in the 400 medley relay, also achieving an NCAA provisional standard.

🤿 Diving Dominance:

• Top Heat Qualifiers: Clark and Vear qualified in the top heat of 1-meter, with Vear clinching silver and Clark placing seventh in the finals.

🏊‍♂️ Looking Ahead:

• Day 2 Events: The Seminoles are set for another day of competition, featuring the 400 IM, 100 fly, 200 free, 100 breast, and 100 back, along with diving events.

• Relay Races: The day will start with the 200 medley relay and conclude with the 800 free relay.

As the FSU teams dive back into the pool for another day of competition, their performances so far at the Georgia Fall Invite signal a strong season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as the Seminoles continue to chase excellence in the pool!

🏆 FSU Women's Soccer Eyes Continued NCAA Success

The No. 1 Florida State women's soccer team, undefeated this season, is set to battle Texas A&M in the NCAA Tournament's second round. The Seminoles look to repeat their earlier season victory over the Aggies.

📊 Impressive NCAA Track Record

• Stellar Past: FSU holds three National Championships with remarkable records across various tournament stages, including a 77-19-5 overall NCAA Tournament record.

🔙 Last Match Recap

• Dominant Win: FSU showcased their depth in a 5-0 first-round win over Morehead State, marking their 10th shutout of the season.

🤝 FSU vs. Texas A&M: A Postseason Rivalry

• Repeated Matchups: This game marks the fourth postseason meeting between FSU and Texas A&M, with FSU leading 3-0 in past encounters.

🏆 ACC Dominance

• Consecutive Titles: FSU clinched their fourth consecutive ACC Championship, showing their prowess in the conference.

🔥 Key Players to Watch

• Onyi Echegini's Scoring Prowess: The ACC Offensive Player of the Year has been in top form, leading the team's scoring.

• Jordynn Dudley's Impactful Freshman Season: Dudley's impressive scoring and assisting stats make her a standout player.

📈 Team Highlights

• Offensive Strength: FSU has been setting records with their scoring capabilities, leading the country in goals and assists per game.

• Defensive Solidity: The team has been formidable in defense, limiting opponents' scoring opportunities significantly.

🎯 Postseason Expertise

• Strong PK Record: FSU's proven track record in postseason penalty kicks includes several championship victories.

As the Seminoles step onto the field against Texas A&M, their blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience positions them as a formidable force in the NCAA Tournament.

Seminoles Women's Basketball Set for Showdown Against Rival Gators

🏀 FSU Gears Up for the Classic Rivalry

The 12th-ranked Florida State Women's Basketball team is set to reignite their storied rivalry with the Florida Gators in their 85th meeting. The game, scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. at Exactech Arena, is an eagerly awaited matchup, streaming live on SEC Network+.

📈 Dominant Track Record

• Recent Success: FSU has dominated this rivalry recently, winning nine of the last 11 games since 2012.

• Last Meeting: The Seminoles clinched a decisive 92-77 victory in their previous encounter in November 2022.

🗓️ A Week of Rivalries

• Multisport Showdowns: This game kicks off an intense eight-day stretch of FSU vs. Florida competitions across women's basketball, men's basketball, and football.

🏀 Men's Basketball and Football Face-offs

• Men's Basketball Duel: Following the women's game, FSU and Florida men's teams will battle on the same day at 7 p.m.

• Football Clash: The football teams meet on Nov. 25, promising another exciting chapter in this rivalry.

📊 FSU's Rising Momentum

• Climbing the Ranks: After defeating No. 11 Tennessee, FSU leaped six spots in the AP Poll to achieve their highest rank since January 2020.

• Efficient Offense: The team boasts a remarkable +14.0 turnover margin, leading the ACC and ranking eighth nationally.

👩‍🏫 Coach Wyckoff's Personal Record

• Versatile Experience: FSU alumna and Head Coach Brooke Wyckoff faces Florida for the 18th time across different roles in her career.

🌟 Players to Watch

• O'Mariah Gordon's Leadership: The junior guard leads FSU with an average of 21.5 points, exhibiting a notable assist-to-turnover ratio.

• Gordon and Latson's Florida Connection: Both players, Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Basketball awardees, bring their local flair to the game.

📊 Series History

• All-Time Record: Florida leads 45-39, but FSU has significantly closed the gap since 2004 with a 15-5 record against the Gators.

🐊 Scouting the Gators

• Strong Start: Florida is undefeated in three games, led by senior guard Aliyah Matharu's scoring prowess.

🏠 Up Next for the Seminoles

• Return Home: FSU next hosts South Alabama on Sunday in the Seminole Heritage Game, a special event at The Tuck.

As FSU prepares for this epic rivalry game, their blend of skillful offense and tactical prowess makes this matchup against the Gators one to watch. Stay tuned as the Seminoles aim to continue their winning ways in this long-standing rivalry.

Baba Miller: Spearheading FSU Basketball's Comeback Journey

🏀 FSU's Bright Spot in Miller

As Florida State's basketball team hits the court for a new season, all eyes are on sophomore Baba Miller, poised to steer the Seminoles towards a hopeful resurgence. His freshman year, a blend of trials including a surprise NCAA suspension and health issues, set the stage for a comeback narrative, both personally and for the team.

📅 Key Matchup on the Horizon

• Florida State faces off against Florida at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Exactech Arena (the Gator’s court). It's a game of significance for Miller, marking his first showdown against the Gators, adding an extra layer of excitement to the longstanding rivalry.

🛠️ Miller's Mission: Revival and Redemption

• Post a challenging season ending at the ACC Tournament, Miller echoes the team's collective determination to not just rebound but excel, aspiring to restore FSU's basketball prestige.

• With his early performance promising, including a significant contribution against Central Michigan, Miller is already shaping up as a pivotal figure in FSU's lineup.

💼 Offseason: A Period of Growth and Grit

• Dedication to physical and mental conditioning was Miller's offseason theme. Honing his defensive prowess and overall game, he's emerged more formidable and focused.

• His stint with Spain's U19 team and exposure to the national team's environment served as a crucial confidence builder, rekindling his love for the game and honing his competitive edge.

🌟 Global Stage to Local Court

• Miller's role in Spain's victory at the FIBA U19 World Championship underlined his international caliber, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.

• Training with Spain's national team added layers to his basketball acumen, preparing him for the rigors of the collegiate game.

🗣️ In Coach Hamilton's Words

• Coach Leonard Hamilton commends Miller's evolution since his freshman year, noting a remarkable improvement in his emotional and mental approach, translating into increased confidence and physical presence on the court.

👊 Earning Teammates' Respect

• Beyond his skills on the court, Miller's off-court persona resonates with his teammates. His leadership and supportive nature have earned him immense respect, as senior Darin Green Jr. attests.

As Florida State takes on Florida, Miller's journey from a challenging first year to a potential key player epitomizes not just his personal growth but also symbolizes FSU's ambitions for a powerful comeback in the competitive college basketball scene.

🏟️ Revamping the Roar: Doak Campbell Stadium's Major Makeover

Some new renderings of the revamped Doak Campbell Stadium have dropped and we want to show you to them here:

Most striking might be that the entire interior will be getting a major makeover.

Miami fans will no longer be able to Tweet anything like this anymore:

The renovations include the following changes:

• Everyone sitting in the mainstand bleachers will be asked to select a new seat location for 2024.

• The entire west side will be under construction during the 2024 season, impacting all-season tickets.

• The west sideline bleachers will be removed, and a limited number of temporary chairback seats will be set up for the entire season.

• West sideline capacity will be reduced to about 7,000 seats due to construction.

• West side concourses, restrooms, and concessions stands will be modified or temporary.

• East sideline seats will be widened to 18” each, and handrails in the aisles will be installed prior to the 2024 season.

• All east side seats will include a breathable, mesh seat on top of the bleacher seating.

• The south end zone seating will also undergo renovation, including the addition of loge boxes and the installation of breathable mesh seats.

• The renovations are expected to be completed by September 2025

You can learn more here

A Tale of Two Programs: FSU's Passion vs. Miami's Struggles

🏈 Seminoles Show Their Spirit, Hurricanes Hustle for Crowds

Speaking of those lowly Hurricanes…. the vibe of the stadium can tell you a lot about a program's health. Let's look at two contrasting scenarios that paint a vivid picture of current fan enthusiasm.

🏈🆕 FSU's Doak Campbell Stadium: Where Passion Meets Play

The Seminoles have once again proven their unshakable spirit. Despite facing an FCS team considered less formidable, FSU fans showed up in droves, selling out the iconic Doak Campbell Stadium.

This turnout is a testament to the unwavering loyalty and passion of the FSU community. Check out the buzz here:

🌴 Miami (FL)'s Hard Rock Stadium: A Tough Ticket Tale

Down in Coral Gables, the story takes a different turn. The Miami Hurricanes, even with a high-stakes game against #9 Louisville, had to resort to a buy-one-get-two-free ticket promo.

And guess what? Even that didn't fill the stands. It seems the Hurricanes are facing a tough time rallying their fan base, a stark contrast to the energy at FSU. For a glimpse into their struggle, see this: Miami Ticket Promo.

The Takeaway: Never Change, Coral Gables

While FSU continues to revel in the robust support of its fans, Miami's efforts to drum up attendance speak volumes about the differing states of these two programs. It's clear: when it comes to undying team spirit and stadium atmosphere, FSU is in a league of its own.

So here's to the Seminoles, proving that no matter the opponent, their fans are all in, every time. And to Miami – well, never change, Coral Gables. Your efforts are noted, if not exactly emulated.

Seminoles' Resilience: The Journey from Adversity to Triumph under Norvell

🏈 The Seminoles' Story of Grit and Growth

As the FSU Seminoles gear up for their next game, there's a deeper tale unfolding, one of resilience, dedication, and transformation under Coach Mike Norvell's tenure.

From the first day he stepped onto campus, Norvell didn't make lofty promises; instead, he asked for trust and a chance to lead a turnaround.

🌟 The Challenge of Change

• New Beginnings: Norvell's initial request for trust led to inevitable departures, but those who stayed embarked on a challenging journey.

• A Test of Faith: The road was rocky, with early losses and uncertainty. But the dedicated group who stuck around have been pivotal in the program's upliftment.

📈 Triumphant Transformation

• Senior Day Significance: The upcoming game is a milestone for many veterans playing their last game at Doak Campbell Stadium. These seniors, who weathered tough times, now stand as pillars of the team's success.

• Jordan Travis' Rise: Quarterback Travis embodies the senior class's journey, from struggling under a previous regime to becoming a potential first-team All-ACC and a Heisman Trophy contender. His story is a testament to the program's revival.

🏅 Beyond the Field

• Growth Through Adversity: Linebacker Kalen DeLoach and offensive linemen Darius Washington and Maurice Smith exemplify the growth through adversity. From early challenges to setting records and earning accolades, their journeys symbolize the team's evolution.

• Defensive Dominance: The defensive unit, led by seasoned players like Renardo Green and Akeem Dent, now excels nationally, showcasing the fruits of their labor and belief in Norvell's vision.

🛠️ Building a Legacy

• From Failure to Flourishing: This senior class has seen a dramatic shift from a 14-20 record in their early years to a commanding 20-3 since. This turnaround didn't happen overnight; it was crafted through hard work, trust, and a gradual building of a winning culture.

🔮 Looking Ahead

• Lasting Impact: The legacy of these seniors goes beyond current successes. It's about the life lessons of overcoming adversity and emerging stronger, setting the foundation for future triumphs in life and sport.

As FSU honors its seniors, we're reminded that their journey is more than just a sports story. It's a narrative of belief, resilience, and the transformative power of giving someone a chance. These Seminoles, who said 'yes' to Norvell, are now reaping the rewards of their faith and hard work, both on and off the field.

Final Whistle: Celebrating Seminole Spirit

As we conclude this edition of The Chief Brief, we reflect on the remarkable journeys and achievements of our Seminoles.

From the spirited performances at the Georgia Fall Invite to the unwavering determination of the women's soccer team in the NCAA Tournament, FSU's athletes continue to inspire and amaze us.

We’ve got several showdowns with the Gators and our final home farewell to this group of seniors at Doak.

Each story, each game, and each athlete contributes to the rich tapestry of Seminole pride.

Until our next edition, let's celebrate these moments of excellence and continue to cheer on the relentless spirit of FSU.

Go Noles!